Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean reveal Dancing On Ice stars have had more time in training after last series was thrown into chaos by injured celebs
Dancing On Ice is set to make its return next week with its celebrity edition.
And judges Jayne Torvill, 64, and Christopher Dean, 63, have revealed that the next batch of contestants are ‘well established’ and ‘ready to go’, following last years turmoil.
Last series, the show was thrust into chaos on numerous occasions as viewers saw the departure of Denise van Outen, Billie Faiers and Jason Donovan following injury.
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Almost time! Jayne Torvill, 64, and Christopher Dean, 63, said that this years Dancing On Ice celebrities are ‘ready to go’…after last years show was thrust into chaos
Chris detailed that the previous season fell victim to Covid protocols and rushed training before confirming that this year they would be more prepared.
He said: ‘Last year practice got pushed – squeezed – whereas this year the celebrities have gone through the process of getting introduced to the ice longer.
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‘They have a period with a coach, then they have a period with their partners, and so I think they’re pretty well established into what they’re doing now. So from an injury point of view I believe that they’re ready to go.’
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Ready to go: Three celebrities withdrew with injuries and both reserve contestants had to be used for the first time ever (pictured with judges Oti Mabuse and Ashley Banjo)
In series 13, contestants were forced to form a ‘bubble’ with their partners due to Covid restrictions and it was filmed without a live audience.
Both reserve contestants had to be used for the first time in the shows history as three celebrities were forced to withdraw and two tested positive for the virus.
Denise van Outen, 47, sustained an injury in the second week after she suffered three bone fractures and a partially dislocated shoulder.
Billie Faiers, 31, became the second to withdraw from the competition as she sustained a head injury during training.
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Ouch! Denise van Outen (pictured), 47, suffered three bone fractures and partially dislocated her shoulder as Billie Faiers, 31, and Jason Donovan, 53, were also injured during the series
Australian actor Jason Donovan, 53, was also forced to leave due to a back injury, in week 6 of the show.
The series was thrown further into chaos as comedian Rufus Hound, 42, Joe-Warren Plant, 19 and his professional partner Vanessa Bauer, 25, all contacted Covid-19.
Chris continued: ‘Last year, we were all flying by the seats of our pants over what has to happen. And I think, this year, we all know from the protocols what’s going to have to happen and what people need to do. We have more information and I think this year it’s going to run smoothly.’
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Nightmare! The series was thrown further into chaos as Joe-Warren Plant and his partner Vanessa Bauer (both pictured) as well as Comedian Rufus Hound all contacted Covid-19
Dancing on Ice is back! First look at 2022 series
Jayne added that she has high hopes for this year’s celebrities and believes that viewers will see the ‘highest standard ever’ from their first performances.
Set to compete on the new series of Dancing On Ice are Love Islander Liberty Poole, 21, BMX Olympic silver medalist Kye Whyte, 22, Paul Gascoigne’s son Regan Gascoigne, 25, The Vamps’ Connor Ball, 25, rugby star Ben Foden, 36, and Paralympian Stef Reid, 37.
Other celebrities taking part include presenter Ria Hebden, 38, pop star and actress Kimberly Wyatt, 39, singer Rachel Stevens, 43, professional dancer Brendan Cole, 45, Happy Mondays dancer Bez, 57, and Coronation Street star Sally Dynevor, 58.
The new series of Dancing on Ice starts this Sunday at 6.30pm on ITV
KYE WHYTE
Age: 22
Profession: Olympics BMX rider
Kye says: ‘I’d love to see if I can make the final because I’m very competitive.’
RACHEL STEVENS
Age: 43
Profession: Singer
Rachel says: ‘It now feels really real, this is really happening. I’m so excited, obviously really nervous.’
LIBERTY POOLE
Age: 22
Profession: Love Island star
Liberty says: ‘I ice skate as a hobby sometimes so I can get around the rink but I can’t do any tricks’
STEF REID
Age: 36
Profession: Paralympian
Stef says: ‘I’m going to be a contestant on Dancing on Ice and it’s a little bit scary but I cannot wait!’
REGAN GASCOIGNE
Age: 26
Profession: Singer
Regan says: ‘I love dancing but it’s the skill of this. I’ve always wanted to do it. Always! Ever since I was a kid!’
KIMBERLY WYATT
Age: 39
Profession: Pussycat Dolls singer
Kimberly says: ‘I’m just excited to see what I can do on there. I’m up for a challenge!’
BRENDAN COLE
Age: 45
Profession: Dancer
Brendan says: ‘I’ve known I’d be doing the show for quite some time and I want to get started, I’m so excited to be on the show.’
BEN FODEN
Age: 36
Profession: Rugby player
Ben says: ‘I like the idea of learning a new sport and a new skill. I’m quite competitive as well.’
SALLY DYNEVOR
Age: 58
Profession: Coronation Street actress
Sally says: ‘This is a massive challenge. I’m so scared! I’ve just got to take every opportunity I get.’
BEZ
Age: 57
Profession: Happy Mondays
Bez says: ‘I’m always up for a challenge and am already in training on the ice.’
RIA HEBDEN
Age: 36
Profession: Presenter
Ria says: ‘It will be brilliant to learn a new scary skill.’
CONNOR BALL
Age: 25
Profession: The Vamps bassist
Connor says: ‘I’m excited obviously but I’m really nervous. I’m quite clumsy, accident prone.’
